ISLAMABAD, October 15: A special court on Monday ordered that former president general (Retd) Pervez Musharraf’s statement in the high treason case against him will be recorded through a commission.
A three-judge bench headed by Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Muhammad Yawar Ali Khan and comprising Justice Syeda Tahira Safdar and Justice Nazar Akbar heard the high treason case against Musharraf.
During the last hearing, the court had sought a reply from Musharraf’s counsel regarding recording his statement via video link and today the counsels of the respondents presented their arguments on it. After hearing the arguments, the bench directed that Musharraf’s statement will be recorded through a commission which will be formed by the special court. The bench said if Pervez Musharraf has any objections to the constitution of the commission, he may approach the courts. The hearing of the case was then adjourned till November 14.
Earlier as the hearing began, Musharraf’s counsel Salman Safdar told the special court, “My client does not want to record his statement via video link but wants to appear in person to defend himself.” The prosecution witness then stated, “Musharraf has wasted the opportunity to record his statement under Section 342.”
Justice Yawar pointed out that Musharraf had submitted a medical certificate issued by American Hospital Dubai. “The report was issued in August and is old,” he stated. When the judge stated that doctors had to re-examine Musharraf’s health, the former president’s counsel responded, “My client’s health is still the same and tests pertaining to his heart are being conducted. – Sabah
